Face off: Samsung Galaxy Nexus vs. Samsung Galaxy S II

The challenge

Few years ago, smartphones were categorized into just high-end mobile phones with more processing power. Fast-forwarding to the present scenario, both of the above-mentioned attributes remain true. Again, the collective features of this new generation of smartphones have progressed beyond some fixed, established criteria. Instead of being seen just as smaller cousins to tablets, some of them exhibit (and facilitate) a completely new user experience, all by the virtue of their infused technology.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus vs. Samsung Galaxy S II

In relation to this new era of smartphones, comparison basis for the two new emergent players (HTC Titan and Samsung Galaxy S II) has already been done in the competitive section of electronics. However, this time we have chosen two products from the Korean giant itself, in the form of the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Nexus and newly launched Samsung Galaxy S II.

Comparison attribute

1. Design factor

Both of the phones naturally have the same basis for the basic design attribute. However, aesthetically when you look at the Galaxy Nexus, you can feel the vibe of a curvaceously flowing form, and that too in a subtle essence. On the other hand, the Galaxy S II just exhibits a simpler, solid, yet pristine form, with the same degree of ergonomics.

Winner

Going by the numbers Galaxy S II emerges as the winner, because it is lighter and thinner (at 116g and 0.33 inch) than the Galaxy Nexus (at 135g and 0.35 inch). While both of them should fit perfectly into one's hand, specification figures do matter for the average customer.

2. Display

With the commercial debut of Galaxy S II HD, Samsung has really notched it up a level in the department of high definition display. The HD version of S II now exhibits a 4.27-inch super AMOLED screen with 800x480 pixels resolution and 217-ppi pixel density. Moreover, if you thought this was impressive, then the display specs of Galaxy Nexus should bamboozle you out of your senses. It includes a bigger 4.65-inch AMOLED HD screen with a whopping 720x1280 pixels resolution and 316-ppi pixel density.

Winner

Suffice to say, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the hands down winner in this case. However, it should be noted that both of these phones are a cut above the rest of the competition pack.

3. Performance

Both of them are powered by dual-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex A9 processors. Therefore, at the end of the day, the graphical prowess matters. In this regard, the Galaxy Nexus is infused with a much older PowerVR SGX 540 as compared to the more advanced quad-core Mali-400 found in the Galaxy S II (which is only topped by A5 from Apple).

Winner

While both of them are supported by a well to do 1GB of RAM, the Galaxy S II clearly has the edge in running more sophisticated programs such as heavy games and high definition video editing.

4. Software

When it comes to the domain of Android OS, both of these phones have the potentiality to emerge as leaders in their own right. When dissected into simpler terms, the Galaxy S II has the last 2.3.5 version of Gingerbread combined into a pack with TouchWiz 4.0. Moreover, the Galaxy Nexus comes with latest Android version of 4.0, which is better known as the Ice Cream Sandwich.

Winner

While TouchWiz of S II (as an advanced touch interface) is a good feature, it is certainly not essential for an exclusive user experience. On the other hand, Nexus is the very first smartphone to incorporate Google's latest offering of Android 4.0 with its revamped user interface and the much-touted 3D compatibility. Therefore, we have to go with Nexus this time.

5. Camera

Again, both the systems have the capability for a full-on 1080p video recording. In terms of imaging, the Galaxy Nexus includes a 5MP primary rear camera and a 1.3MP front camera. Galaxy S II betters this by having an 8MP primary rear camera and a 2MP front camera.

Winner

Other than the core figures of mega pixels and a solid video recording attribute, Samsung has divulged very little information regarding their overall imaging quality. However, what we do know is that the Galaxy S II also incorporates touch focus, face and smile detection and image stabilization along with better mega pixels. Therefore, this bout is once again won by the S II, at least due to lack of circumstantial evidence.

6. Battery life

This is another area where Samsung has not given any solid information. To determine the true battery life, one has to put both of these phones through a testing phase. Now, that is not possible for the Nexus, while initial testing of the S II has shown around one day of practical battery life.

Winner

Solely judging by the size of the battery, the Nexus will have a 1700mAh one, as compared to the 1650mAh battery of the S II. However, this does not necessarily make the Nexus a clear winner, especially when we consider that it has a bigger display with required processing power for the much better resolutions.

7. Storage criteria

Coming to availability of internal storage space, both the phones exhibit the rather copious side of memory distribution with a sufficient 16GB of space. Galaxy Nexus also comes with a 32GB version, if you want to go wild with your apps.

Winner

The lowest model for the Galaxy S II comes with 16GB of internal space. However, the fact that it is completely extendible tilts the scale towards S II. Maybe you will have lots of fun in your 32GB Nexus, but a 16GB S II with an extended 32GB or 64GB card makes the fun even merrier.

The verdict: Winner

While the Galaxy Nexus clearly is in charge based on its newer operating system and fascinating display attributes, we still have to go with the older Galaxy S II. Why? Firstly, a swanky interface with better resolution is fine, but when it comes to core functionality - greater processing power (which S II possesses) is the key for a lag free user experience. Moreover, the S II also scores high on overall portability, imaging quality and storage capacity.

Secondly, the Gingerbread is slated for a major upgrade (into Android 4.0). Therefore, it may be just a matter of time when you can gleefully show off your Galaxy S II with an Ice Cream Sandwich OS.